Riverhead environmentalist Robert Pike of Riverhead died of colon cancer on May 9. He was 57.
Mr. Pike, an attorney, successfully fought against the development of Robins Island in Peconic Bay and also spearheaded efforts to preserve open space along the East End for most of his adult life.
His father Otis Pike, a former Democratic congressman and environmentalist, helped to instill a love of nature in the young Mr. Pike and also helped expose him to the world of politics.
He served one term on the Riverhead Town Board, served on the Save Robins Island committee, and succeeded in protecting a swath of land near the Pine Barrens, which at one time was zoned for extensive residential development.
He is survived by his wife, Carol Pike; a daughter, Julia McGann; a son, Otis Pike III, a sister, Lois Pike Eyre, all of Riverhead; a brother, Douglas Pike, and his father, Otis Pike, both of whom reside in Florida.
Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Reginald Tuthill Funeral Home in Riverhead.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 would be appreciated by the family.
on May 12, 2010